Rosacea runs in families; there is a genetic link to this skin disorder. It is also most common in light-skinned people and women in menopause. Rosacea causes redness on the skin, particularly in the center areas of the face. Flushing of the face, tender skin nodules and eye irritation may occur. Blood vessels in the skin may also become visible through the skin, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. With advanced rosacea, facial skin may thicken. The typical rosacea patient is between ages 30 and 40. More women than men experience rosacea. There are ways to limit rosacea, such as avoiding foods that stimulate blood vessel dilation.
Avoid Spicy Foods
Chili, salsa and spicy seasonings such as pepper and other spicy foods may cause an episode of rosacea. Avoiding spicy foods may help to limit episodes of rosacea.
Citrus Fruits and Juices
Citrus fruits and fruit juices may exacerbate symptoms of rosacea. The acid in the fruit or juice may stimulate development of red patches on the skin.
Chocolate
Chocolate should not been eaten if it is a trigger for rosacea. Many patients find that chocolate is a strong trigger for rosacea and must be eliminated from the diet. The cacao in chocolate may cause blood vessels in the face to dilate and cause rosacea.
Hot Drinks
Hot, steaming drinks like tea, coffee, hot apple cider, hot cocoa or mulled wine may cause vascular dilation that leads to rosacea. Let drinks cool down fully before consuming to avoid symptoms of rosacea.
Aspartame and Nutrasweet
Aspartame and Nutrasweet have been linked to symptoms of rosacea in up to 30 percent of roseaca patients, according to CVS. The chemical makeup of Aspartame and Nutrasweet sparks a sometimes severe outbreak of rosacea.
Soy Sauce
Using soy sauce in foods may cause an episode of rosacea. Chinese foods may cause unexpected flushing of the skin due to the soy sauce dilating the blood vessels near the skin.
High-Sugar Foods
Foods with high levels of sugar such as pastries, donuts, desserts and soda may spark an episode of rosacea. Blood sugar levels spike when high-sugar content items are eaten. This spike in blood sugar will often then cause rosacea to appear.
Vanilla
Foods that contain vanilla may cause rosacea. Items such as cookies, wafers, cakes, pies and breads that contain vanilla may increase risk of a rosacea episode.
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